Copycat Dave’s Hot Chicken Dr Pepper Shake Recipe

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For those wondering, the idea of this unique Dave’s Hot Chicken Dr Pepper Shake perhaps stems from the blend of two beloved items from Dave’s Hot Chicken—their fiery, delectable chicken and the classic 20-oz. Dr Pepper perfectly quenches the spice-induced thirst.

How to make Dave’s Hot Chicken Dr Pepper Shake

This delectable treat combines the unique spices of Dr Pepper with creamy ice cream to balance the heat of your favorite spicy chicken.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream: The base of your shake, vanilla complements the spiced profile of Dr Pepper perfectly.
• 1/2 cup whole milk: To help blend the shake. Adjust the quantity for the desired thickness.
• 3/4 cup Dr Pepper: This adds the unique 23-flavor blend to your milkshake.
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: To enhance the vanilla flavor.
• Whipped cream: For the topping, if desired.
• Maraschino cherry: For garnish, if desired.

Optional:

• A pinch of cinnamon: For an added kick to echo the spices from hot chicken.
• A dash of chili powder: If you’re feeling adventurous and want some heat to pay homage to Dave’s Hot Chicken.

Instructions:

1. Chill the Dr Pepper: Before starting, ensure your Dr Pepper is cold. This will help keep your shake thick and frosty.
2. Prep your glass: Chill the glass you plan to serve the shake in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
3. Blend the shake: In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, Dr Pepper, and pure vanilla extract. If you’re incorporating the optional spices, add them now.
4. Mix well: Blend on medium-high speed until smooth. The consistency should be thick enough to hold up a straw but thin enough to drink easily. If the shake is too thick, add a bit more Dr Pepper or milk. Too thin? Add a scoop or two of ice cream.
5. Pour your shake: Take the glass out of the freezer and pour the shake into it.
6. Add toppings: For that classic milkshake appeal, garnish with a swirl of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
7. Serve immediately: Enjoy your Dave’s Hot Chicken-inspired Dr Pepper Shake immediately while it’s cold and frothy!

Tips:

• Ice cream selection: For an extra creamy shake, use premium full-fat vanilla ice cream.
• Dr Pepper reduction: For a more intense flavor, you could reduce the Dr Pepper by simmering it on the stove until it thickens and then cooling it before adding it to the shake.
• Serving size: The above recipe makes about 2 servings, but it can be scaled up or down depending on the number you’re serving.
• Spice to your liking: The key to personalizing this shake is balancing the sweet and spicy. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and chili powder to taste.
• Pairing: To mimic the full Dave’s Hot Chicken experience, pair this shake with some spicy chicken tenders or a hot chicken sandwich.

What to serve with

Pairing the right dish with the Dave’s Hot Chicken Dr Pepper Shake can transform a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary experience. The key is balancing flavors and textures that complement this unique, creamy, slightly spicy beverage.

1. Spicy Chicken Sandwich: A crispy, spicy chicken breast served on a soft bun with pickles and maybe even a drizzle of honey could be the ultimate companion to your Dr Pepper Shake. The sandwich’s spiciness, combined with the cooling, sweet, and creamy shake, creates a delightful balance, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as the last.

2. Chicken Tenders: Opt for chicken tenders with a kick. Whether you coat them in a spicy dry rub or dunk them in hot sauce, these can be a more hands-on alternative to the chicken sandwich. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing to dip, offering a cool and creamy contrast that also complements the shake.

3. Crinkle-Cut Fries: A side of crispy crinkle-cut fries seasoned with a touch of salt and perhaps a sprinkle of chili powder can add a wonderful texture contrast to the shake. For those who enjoy a tangy, spicy kick, the fries can handle an extra sprinkle of vinegar or hot sauce.

4. Coleslaw: A classic coleslaw, with its creamy texture and refreshing crunch, serves as a great palate cleanser between sips of the dense Dr Pepper Shake and spicy chicken bites. It’s a traditional side that balances richness and spice with its tangy, sweet profile.

5. Mac and Cheese: For an indulgent treat, creamy mac and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping provides a rich and comforting side dish. The dish’s creaminess pairs well with the bold flavors of the shake and the heat from the accompanying spicy chicken.

6. Cornbread: A slightly sweet, moist piece of cornbread can be an excellent accompaniment, especially for those who appreciate a Southern-inspired meal. It offers a nice texture contrast and a slight sweetness that complements the complexity of the Dave’s Hot Chicken Dr Pepper Shake.

7. Pickles and Vegetables: Don’t underestimate the power of pickled vegetables or a simple vegetable stick platter with a dipping sauce. These can offer a refreshing break from the rich Dave’s Hot Chicken Dr Pepper Shake and spicy chicken, cleaning your palate and adding a crunchy texture to the meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a homemade version of Dave’s Hot Chicken Dr Pepper Shake can be an inventive and fun culinary adventure, especially if certain ingredients need to be substituted due to availability or dietary preferences.

1. Dr Pepper

Primary Ingredient: This unique soda is the base flavor of the shake. Its 23-flavor blend is challenging to replicate exactly.

Substitutes:

• Cherry Cola: While not identical, it offers a similar flavor profile with its fruity and spiced undertones.
• Root Beer with Cherry Syrup: Mixing root beer with cherry syrup can approximate some of the fruity and spiced notes of Dr Pepper.
• Homemade Blend: Mix cola with a splash of cherry, almond, and vanilla extracts to mimic the taste to some extent.

2. Ice Cream

Primary Ingredient: Generally, vanilla ice cream is used because of its creamy texture and neutral flavor, which complements Dr Pepper.

Substitutes:

• Dairy-Free Ice Cream: For those with dietary restrictions, coconut, almond, or soy-based ice cream can replace traditional dairy ice cream.
• Frozen Yogurt: This can be a lighter alternative, offering a similar texture but with a tangy flavor profile.
• Banana Ice Cream: Blend frozen bananas to a creamy consistency for a healthier twist.

3. Hot Sauce or Cayenne Pepper

Primary Ingredient: A touch of heat is critical to contrast the sweetness of the shake.

Substitutes:

• Chili Powder: If cayenne is too intense, chili powder can offer a milder heat with additional flavor complexity.
• Hot Paprika: This provides a smoky heat which could complement the shake nicely.
• Sriracha or Chili Sauce: A small amount of these sauces can be blended for a different type of heat.

4. Whipped Cream

Primary Ingredient: Adds a light, airy texture and a rich creaminess on top.

Substitutes:

• Coconut Whipped Cream: This is a great dairy-free, light and sweet option.
• Cashew or Soy Cream: Can be whipped to a light consistency that mimics whipped cream.

5. Cherry & Spices for Garnish

Primary Ingredient: Cherries and a sprinkle of ground spices (like cinnamon or nutmeg) are used for garnishing.

Substitutes:

• Dried or Maraschino Cherries: If fresh cherries aren’t available.
• Allspice or Clove: These can substitute or complement cinnamon or nutmeg for a different spice profile.

Final Thoughts

When serving a meal with the Dave’s Hot Chicken Dr Pepper Shake, aim for variety in textures and flavors. The goal is to complement the sweet and creamy shake with spicy, crunchy, and savory elements from the rest of the meal.

More Dr Pepper Recipes:

• Homemade Dr Pepper Cream Soda Recipe